PAPNET testing for HSILs. The few cell/small cell challenge.
OBJECTIVE
To define and evaluate the effectiveness of the PAPNET Testing System for high grade squamous cervical intraepithelial lesions (HSIL).


METHODS
The literature was reviewed, defining the "few cell/small cell challenge" associated with HSIL. Several recently published investigations demonstrate the effectiveness of PAPNET testing, especially the effectiveness of PAPNET testing in reducing false negatives for these lesions.


RESULTS
The results of several independent investigations demonstrate that the PAPNET Testing System is sensitive to the types of abnormalities typically not detected by conventional screening (e.g., abnormal cells that are small and few in number). In clinical practice, the PAPNET Testing System is effective in reducing false negatives.


CONCLUSIONS
The PAPNET Testing System helps solve the "unfortunate paradox of Pap smear diagnosis," as noted by DeMay, that high grade serious lesions may be more difficult to detect and diagnose by cytology than low grade lesions, which are clinically less significant and often regress without therapy. The accuracy of detection of HSIL is improved with the PAPNET Testing System.
Solomon
H M
HM
Neuromedical Systems, Inc., Suffern, New York 10901-4114, USA.
Frist
S
S
D001331:Automation; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002452:Cell Count; D048429:Cell Size; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000166:cytology*; D003626:Data Display; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D015588:Observer Variation; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*